Ford 960 power steering leak

TomIn · May 22, 2022

I recently bought a 1955 Ford 960 tractor for a project. One issue is the power steering pump leaks where the reservoir joins the pump. I ordered an aftermarket seal kit and replaced the two orifice seals and attempted to flatten the slightly bowed reinforcement plate with my shop press. After several tries, it still leaks.

I did this several weeks ago when it was cold at night and warmed up during the day. The pump seemed dry in the early mornings, and dripped a lot after the temperature warmed up. This leads me to believe that the reservoir cover was designed to be vented, but the vent was blocked--causing the pressure to build up as the day warmed up.

The reinforcing plate is no longer available, but I found that aftermarket copies are sold for various cars that used a similar Eaton pump in the 1950's and 1960's. I ordered a couple and will try one when I get back to the farm.

Does anyone have any suggestions if the new part doesn't solve the leak? Has anyone had any success in using some sort of sealant?

pinball · May 25, 2022

are you able to see the leak where you could possibly use some Jp weld to seal it?

TomIn · May 25, 2022

The power steering pump is located underneath the hood. All I can see is fluid running down the cast iron body of the pump below the stamped sheet metal reservoir. The leak has to be occurring where one of the two gaskets between the reservoir and pump body isn't doing its job.

I found a picture of the pump (or a very similar one):

https://www.fastline.com/steering-front-axles/part-detail/steering-front-axle-oem-c3nn3a674c-sn-411004-for-ford/af3d9030-8c14-4ab4-be07-d7ea2e2158f2

The area where the reservoir and pump body connect is a quite small area that sloped from the center of the tractor to the side. I'm hesitant about using something like JB Weld, and worry than any sealant might get into the pump's fluid and cause problems at some point in the system.
Parts Diagram

showcrop · May 28, 2022

I have renewed the seal on two of these but it has been a long time. Early 50s Ford cars used the same system. I remember an old red Mercury wagon sitting at my uncles farm because he was going to take the power steering off it for his 860. This came up here only 2-3 weeks ago so you may get some insight if you can find that thread. I expect that your problem is lack of tension on the gaskets. You are correct on the venting. It is at the center of the lid. I would discourage using any sealant. Good luck!

Ford 960 power steering leak

TomIn

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pinball

Well-known Member

TomIn

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showcrop

Well-known Member

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